U.S. President Donald Trump wants to “take over” the Gaza Strip. His shocking proposal suggests long-term U.S. control after the ongoing conflict ends. He made the announcement during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 4, 2025. Trump emphasized the need for a fresh approach to Gaza’s future.
What’s the plan?
Trump’s proposal suggests relocating Palestinian residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. The aim? To give Palestinians a safer, more stable place to live. Trump also envisions the U.S. leading Gaza’s reconstruction. He plans to clear unexploded ordnance, remove debris, and build infrastructure for jobs and housing. His goal? Prevent the region from falling back into conflict.
Mixed signals
Since Trump’s announcement, his administration has given mixed messages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on February 5 that Palestinian displacement would be “temporary.” She stressed no U.S. troops or tax dollars would be used. But in a Fox News interview on February 10, Trump contradicted this. He claimed Palestinians wouldn’t return to Gaza because they would get “much better housing” elsewhere.
Global pushback
Egypt and Jordan have rejected the plan. They fear it will destabilize the region further. Their opposition highlights concerns about the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.
What’s at stake?
Trump’s remarks come amid fragile ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. There are worries his plan could complicate negotiations. These talks are focused on hostages’ release and a potential Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The discussions aim to balance Israel’s security needs with the release of hostages. Israel wants to dismantle Hamas and end its political control over Gaza.
Reactions from AJC
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) supports Trump’s stance on Israel’s security and backing for hostages’ release. But they’re concerned about his comments on U.S. control of Gaza. AJC CEO Ted Deutch said the announcement raises questions. How will this affect the ongoing hostage-release talks?
The Gaza Strip: What you need to know
The Gaza Strip is a small Palestinian enclave, just 141 square miles. It’s bordered by Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. About 1.8 million Palestinians live there. Gaza is named after its largest city.
In 2005, Israel withdrew unilaterally, hoping Palestinians would use the opportunity to build a better future. But soon after, Hamas took control. Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority and has ruled Gaza ever since. This shift brought violence and a series of attacks on Israel.
Who rules Gaza?
Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007. The group, elected by Palestinians in 2006, forcibly ousted Fatah officials. Since then, the region has been under Hamas control. Gaza’s population is young, with many born after the Hamas takeover.
Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization, with a charter calling for Israel’s destruction. The group has carried out suicide bombings and other attacks on Israel for years. Its ultimate goal? The creation of an Islamic state in place of Israel.
Has Israel tried to grant Gaza to Palestinians?
Israel has long backed a two-state solution, allowing Palestinians control over Gaza. There have been several peace proposals, including the Oslo Accords in 1993 and a 2000 offer at Camp David. But all these efforts were rejected or led to violence.
In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, removing settlements and military forces. The goal was peace and a better future for Palestinians. But after Hamas seized control, peace seemed further away.
Most recently, in 2020, the Trump Administration proposed the “Peace to Prosperity” plan. This vision also suggested a two-state solution, leaving Gaza under Palestinian control. But like previous plans, it failed to gain traction.
Does Israel want to occupy Gaza?
Israel has never sought to occupy Gaza. While some right-wing Israelis have pushed for resettling the area, this idea has never been official policy. In fact, Israel has tried to hand Gaza over multiple times. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel took control from Egypt. In 2005, despite opposition, it unilaterally withdrew, hoping for a peaceful resolution. But Hamas’s rise to power dashed those hopes.
Why is this proposal controversial?
Trump’s Gaza plan raises serious concerns. The idea of displacing Palestinians is controversial, and neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan strongly oppose it. Critics fear that forcing people out of Gaza could spark further unrest in an already volatile region. With negotiations still ongoing, the plan could derail peace efforts, especially in the delicate talks over hostages and Israel’s security.
Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza is bold and controversial. While he promises a new approach to stabilizing the region, the plan faces serious opposition. Whether it will succeed in creating lasting peace is yet to be seen. For now, the focus remains on the fragile ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
